Bragging rights ......

WARNING: Indulgent use of photographs!!!

Now I know how blessed we all feel when parcels arrive from swaps we have joined. BUT I have to tell you I think I must have received the best partners that were available in a number of swaps this year.


Firstly, to Gudrun who sent me this gorgeous bag all the way from Iceland as part of Linda's Bag/Bucket Swap! It was filled with gorgeous licorice treats (those '3' bars are chocolate coated caramel with a slice of licorice through the middle). Absolutely delicious!!!!!




















I also participated in the Stitcher's Angel swap which was run by Helen Stubing. This has been a win-win swap for me. I was given a truly lovely lady to send to - Karen (no blog) - and believe that although we haven't met face to face - I have discovered a new friend. We have shared email banter firstly under the cover of a pseudonym, and once she tracked me down - on a 'real name' basis. I have enjoyed stitching gifts for her (with one more to come!) - but imagine my complete surprise when this parcel was left for me!!!

Inside were many goodies - all chosen with obvious care, and suiting me to a tee! A gorgeous tote that I have seen appearing in many blogs (yipee - I own one and I didn't need to sew it!); a quilt block inspired emery board; a lovely fridge magnet in gorgeous pink (comes a very close second to my favourite colour of green); the cutest little antique spool turned into a (I like to think) stitcher, a beautiful card which came in a green envelope of a lovely blonde woman dressed in green (and curly hair just like me!). The funniest quilt panel and some home made relish (which is on the menu at this stitcher's home this evening!) Missing In Action : The Green (mint flavoured) M&M's that were also in the parcel. Hey!!! It's been a warm week - I didn't want them to melt!



Thank you so much Karen - the thoughtfulness of this gift really touched me.



I also received my own Angel's parcel this week - Lyn (also no blog) had elected to send my goodies in one large parcel - and let me tell you - this was one parcel worth waiting for! I was unable to collect the parcel from the Post Office for a couple of days - but there was no mistaking who this parcel was from once I did!







Inside was this beautiful blue bag proudly showing where in Australia Lyn is from. The bag then held a lovely wrapped package of goodies (just love that green ribbon!) - which just knocked my socks off!!!!!!!!!!























Firstly, I thought Lyn was a very lucky lady, that she had one of this wiz-bang embroidery machines where she could scan designs in - after all how else could I have a stitched version of the logo? Hang on to your hats Ladies - this has all been hand sewn in the tiniest of perfect stitches.




















Next came this gorgeous stitcher's companion, that once unfolded holds a cute pincushion, a lovely little needlecase and four pockets. But wait - there's more. Tucked inside one of the pockets was this gorgeous little handpainted ceramic button. Unfortunately the photo doesn't do it justice - but I just love it!

Next came a lovely needle case in gorgeous green (which I understand is a free pattern available here) with the tiniest of tiny stitches I have ever seen. I tried to take a photo of the stitch quality just to show you all - but even my wonderful camera couldn't cope with how beautifully small these stitches are.

Then ....... came a gorgeous thread roll - just unwind and there's the thread and needles that you need for your project - must be honest and say I can see me making a few of these myself! Well done Lyn - a gift that keeps on giving :-)

Hang on - no where near done yet Ladies (how green with envy are YOU just now?

The next gorgeous little gift in the package was this lovely little bag which was provided by Natalie of Cinderbery Stitches as part of the Stitcher's Angel project - you can upload it from the same place as the needlecase. Once again - gorgeous stitching.

Spoiled some more with this exciting box which promised yummy goodies inside .........

where I found a lovely salmon coloured prawn (which I know Lyn would be lucky enough to find in abundance where she lives); an adorable purple glistened butterfly and this little mousie which gives away the fact they are ALL made of CHOCOLATE!!!! Drats - a bit of a case of 'having your chocolate and eating it too".

Then much to my absolute delight I discovered Lyn had stitched me this pincushion which was also provided as part of the Stitcher's Angel project - available here. AND GUESS WHAT - just take a look at the lining of the bag I take to school every day!!! Ooooh - spooky!

And as if all of that wasn't enough ..... 2 fat

quarters to add to my stash and a stitchery pattern from Snickerdoodle Dreams for me to stitch.

Lyn was 'kind' enough to send me a tourist magazine of the area she lives in - need I say more than crystal blue waters, clear sunny skies, white sand beaches ................ Lucky Lady!

Thank you Lyn - it really was an honour to receive your thoughtful and generous gifts!!!

I'm sure you will now see why I believe I have bragging rights ......... I had the best swap partners possible!!!!!

I did have lots of stitching photos of my own to show you - perhaps tomorrow?

TTFN - Dawn